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November 2024 newsletter
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Welcome to the November edition of your Inclusion Barnet member newsletter!
It's packed with info on consultations, services, community events and ways to be heard. You'll also find some of the top local and national news affecting Disabled people including those with mental health issues and long-term conditions.
To find out more about each article, just click on its title.
Inclusion Barnet News
Campaign for Disability Justice responds to Budget
If you were eagerly waiting for news on the Work Capability Assessment changes in last week’s budget, you may have been left confused. Luckily our Campaign for Disability Justice issued a statement to help clear things up. For now, there are no confirmed new restrictions on Universal Credit or employment & support allowance, but we’ll be campaigning hard to ensure Disabled people have early involvement in upcoming discussions on proposals being developed for a government consultation Paper early in the new year.
If needed, we are ready to oppose any proposals to cut or restrict disability benefits. Be the first to hear about latest developments: Subscribe to our campaign supporter newsletter.
Turning to local matters, there is an online consultation taking place on the Council’s plans to increase some social care charges from January next year.
These increases would affect:
- Appointeeship services
- Assistive technology (this may include emergency call necklaces)
- Care service cost recovery
- Weekly fees for respite care
Info and survey - consultation on social care charges.
We believe that this consultation hasn’t been adequately promoted and we’ve written to the Council to request an extension of the deadline. In the meantime, please make sure you have your say by responding to the consultation online by 21 November. And do share this information with your friends, family and neighbours who may be affected.
Finally, we’ve included some information on the changes to the Winter Fuel allowance in the national news section of this newsletter.
Let’s keep working together to make a difference.
Geoff Fimister,
Head of Policy, Inclusion Barnet
Autism Hub Open Day
We were delighted to join Barnet Mencap at their Autism Hub Open Day Drop-in last month. Our Touchpoint team shared information about our one-to-one support services and the Healthy Heart team from Healthwatch Barnet gave free blood pressure checks and advice.
Last month we said goodbye to Namrah Nadeem from our Community Organisation Support team. We also said farewell to Alice Markham from the Healthwatch Barnet team.
We welcomed two new staff members: Bryn Phillips, Community Organisation Support Manager; and Fariha Haydari, Membership Development Officer. Both join the Community Organisation Support team which is part of our Barnet Together partnership.
Opportunities to create change
Visit our consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website for all the latest opportunities to have your say on local and national issues that impact Disabled people in Barnet.
Did you know? Some local consultations receive as few as 14 online responses*. With just 15 members like you we can sway decisions on accessibility, support, and resources in Barnet.
Here's some of the top opportunities to get involved in this month:
Consultation: Proposed increase on social care charges
Barnet Council is reviewing existing charging arrangement on social care costs. This is to help support the current financial position of the Council, which is facing severe financial pressures. If successful, increases will apply from January 2025.
These proposals include the introduction of charges, or an increase in charge, to the following areas:
- A yearly fee for appointee ship services for residents with savings over £3,000.
- A weekly fee for assistive technology services for all residents using these services.
- Cost recovery for arranging care for people above the capital/savings threshold: A yearly £2,000 fee for residents who have their care arranged by the council and pay for it themselves.
- Increasing the weekly fee for respite care services to £250.
Have your say:
The consultation is split into four separate surveys:
Have your say on the consultation online on appointee ship services
Have your say on the consultation online on assistive technology services
Have your say on the consultation online on respite care services
Email consultation@barnet.gov.uk if you require a paper questionnaire or other format.
More details on the social care charges consultation
Share your experience of Adult Social Care and being LGBT+
People's Voice are looking to hear from Barnet residents who identify as being LGBT+ or in the LGBT+ community, or supports a loved one who identifies as LGBT+.
They would like to know what is important to you when interacting with adult social care services and receiving care and support so that we can make our services in Barnet as inclusive as possible for everyone. If you are interested, or have any questions, please email engage.adults@barnet.gov.uk.
The Government wants to hear people's views, experiences and ideas to help shape the 10 Year Health Plan for England. The Department of Health and Social Care is leading this work, alongside NHS England. The combined role of these organisations to support, protect, and improve the health and wellbeing of people in England.
South Mead / Corner Mead NW9 – proposed parking spaces in Colindale CPZ (CL2) consultation
The council want to turn land that was occupied by old garages into parking bays for local residents. These new parking spots will be part of the Colindale Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ code CL2). Residents who have CL2 permits and visitor vouchers will be able to use these new parking areas from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm.
Closes: Thursday 23 January 2025
New bus service between Golders Green and Stamford Hill
Earlier this month, a new bus service, 310, opened between Golders Green and Stamford Hill.
If you use this bus service, TfL want to hear from you. The consultation is open on their website and is available in Easy Read, audio, and a BSL conversation service. They would like to know your thoughts on the bus schedule, why you use this bus, and your opinions on the bus stops. This is a great opportunity to point out any parts of the service that may not be accessible to you.
Take part in the 310 bus route consultation.
More ways to get involved
- Find all of Barnet Council's consultations on the Engage Barnet website.
- Visit our consultations and campaigns page on the Inclusion Barnet website.
*For example: Barnet Council's proposed Fees and Charges 2024-25 for services, which got 14 online responses.
Local news
Lived Experience of Long-Term Conditions Advisory Board looking for members in Barnet
Do you have lived experience of long-term health conditions like diabetes or heart problems?
UCL Partners are looking for individuals with two or more long-term conditions or carers in Barnet to help improve healthcare services and share insights.
They will hold up to 4 meetings over six months or you can arrange a one-off short call with the team. You will be reimbursed £25 per hour plus expenses, in a form of contribution that suits you.
Apply by Friday 8 November by contacting: nclha@uclpartners.com or find out more about the Long-Term Conditions Advisory Board.
Mindfulness for Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Join Mind in Enfield and Barnet for a free workshop and discussion on the nature of wellbeing, the 5 ways to wellbeing and how they can be used. The workshop will also include simple wellbeing practices and a review of what each participant will take forward.
Saturday 9 November, 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Finchley Church End Library, 318 Regents Park Road, London, N3 2LN.
Access: Step-free entrance and lift.
Book your free mindfulness event ticket.
Get Active - International Day for Disabled People
Join Fit and Active Barnet to celebrate International Day for Disabled People with performances, dance workshops, a disco, games, fun activities, music and more. All ages are welcome. A hot meal and drink will be available for £3. You can also bring a packed lunch.
Sunday 1 December 12pm to 3pm
Unitas, Burnt Oak, 76 Montrose Avenue, Edgware, HA8 0DT.
Access: Step free. Contact sport@barnet/gov.uk or call 07716 092709 if you have any questions.
Exciting new social space for young autistic people
Fantastic new space in Mill Hill for young autistic people and young people with ADHD – programmes and events such as graphic design training, arts and crafts, cooking activities, speed dating events and gaming events. Shynne is a community interest company set up by Marlon Huggins in a quest to find ways for his autistic sister to enjoy a social life and connect with others based on her interests.
Find out more about Shynne’s programmes.
Road and pavement repair schedule
The council are fixing potholes and resurfacing some roads and pavements. This may impact accessibility during the works, you should receive a letter in the post if it will impact your road. You can check the council website for updates and to see the dates that work has been planned.
Walking routes in parks and open spaces
Routes in Friary Park, Oakhill Park, Sunny Hill Park and Montrose Park are entirely on footpaths making them suitable for all users. You can download walking maps on the council website.
20mph speed limit proposed on two new streets
Following resident and councillor's requests, due to speeding issues, the council are reviewing speed limits on Salisbury Road and Stapylton Roads in Barnet.
Ongoing Thames Water works - outside Barnet Hospital
Temporary works next to Barnet Hospital’s car parks which will impact access to the hospital by bus are ongoing. Patients travelling by bus are advised to allow more time to get to the hospital during this period. Works are due to end in a few weeks time.
North London Mental Health Partnership to merge
The North London NHS Foundation Trust launched this month. Merging two trusts previously known as Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust (BEH) and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. This mental health trust will cover five North London boroughs.
National issue - local impact
Changes to Winter Fuel Payment
Eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has changed and will now be means tested. The Winter Fuel Payment can help you with heating costs if you have reached State Pension age and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit. You could be eligible for either a £200 or £300 payment.
Applications need to be made by Saturday 21 December, the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit, in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Find out more and apply for Pension Credit online.
You can check if you are eligible using the benefits calculator on the Age UK website.
Report released on employment for blind and partially sighted people
The ‘Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives’ report is calling on the UK Government to implement a Disability Employment Strategy, that will improve employer attitudes and increase the number of blind and partially sighted people in work.
Care Quality Commission releases 'State of Care Report'
The CQC (Care Quality Commission) has released its report, 'The State of Care' which reports on social care services including hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and homecare services.
There are concerns that there is no mention on the quality and safety of adult social care services. Disability News Service reports more in their article 'Regulator’s state of the nation report stays almost silent on safety and quality of adult social care'.
Be an Access Champion
Website to help break down overwhelming tasks
Goblin Tools is a free website created to help neurodivergent people with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult. You can make a to-do list and it will automatically turn the task into smaller steps. It can also help you understand the tone of text messages and emails using the 'Judge' tool.
Join us
Become a member of Inclusion Barnet
Individual membership is FREE and is for Disabled people, which may include long term conditions or mental health issues, and/or carers. Find out how being a member and sharing your lived experience can lead to positive change on our website.
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About Us
Inclusion Barnet is a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO), based in Barnet, North-West London. This means that all of our Trustees and most of our staff have lived experience of disability. Learning to use lived experience for social change is a skill. We use this understanding to design and deliver higher quality, more person-centred services.
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We're calling on the Government to work with organisations led by Disabled people to make workplaces easier to access and to improve social security so that everyone can live a decent life, whether they’re in work or not.
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